The Special Needs Assistant – QQI Level 5 programme at Portobello Institute is an intensive short course for those starting their pathway into special needs assisting.

Delivered through online interactive lectures, it introduces the role of the special needs assistant (SNA) and the practical knowledge needed to support children and young people with additional needs.

The Special Needs Assistant – QQI Level 6 programme is an intensive short course for those who already hold a Level 5 SNA qualification or equivalent and want to advance their knowledge, skills, and practical experience to progress their careers.

At Level 6, students explore child development and behaviour theories, inclusive practice, communication, legislation, and the role of the SNA in supporting children with learning, physical, and behavioural disabilities.

The Special Needs Assistant – Level 5 & Level 6 Booking Package at Portobello Institute combines both QQI Minor Awards into one structured pathway for those who want to begin or progress a career in special needs assisting.

Delivered through online interactive lectures, the package allows students to complete the QQI Level 5 and QQI Level 6 Special Needs Assisting programmes through an intensive two-week learning route.

Students of this course will acquire the knowledge, empathy, and understanding crucial to the role of a Special Needs Assistant.

This course is designed to prepare and equip candidates with the skills and knowledge to work as Special Needs Assistants/Personal Assistants in various education settings and day care centres. The course is designed for those with a genuine interest in working with children, young people and persons with additional needs.

To provide students with the skills, knowledge and competence required to pursue a career working with people with Special Needs. The course will also give students an insight into the range of employment opportunities in the sector. Work Experience takes place One Day per week for the duration of the course with a two week Block in January/February.

This course is aimed at those seeking work under supervision within community health care, support services, health sector, as well as, in formal education settings or to progress to further or higher education and training. You will be provided with the knowledge, skill and competence to work with children and their families, maintaining a healthy and safe environment and supporting the development of the child through play and a variety of other activities.

The aim of this programme is to enable the learner acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to engage with the education and training industry and environment gaining an appreciation of underpinning philosophies and requirements, to consider professional practice and development opportunities, and or to progress to further or higher education and training.

The aim of this programme is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence, to design, promote and implement best practice in inclusive education in a range of contexts and settings and or to progress to higher education and training.

Are you looking to work as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) in primary or post-primary schools, or other care settings? The one-year QQI Level 5 course in Intellectual Disability Practice 5M1761 can help you gain the knowledge and skills required for this role. Upon successful completion of the course, you will have the opportunity to progress to the QQI Level 6 course in Advanced Training in Special Needs Assisting and Inclusion.

This programme equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to support individuals with disabilities in achieving their potential and living self directed, fulfilling lives. Learners develop the ability to work both independently and under supervision, applying best practice across a range of care and support settings. The programme also provides a solid foundation for progression to further or higher education and training in the health, social care, and community sectors.

This course provides students with the knowledge, practical skills and qualifications required to pursue a career as a Special Needs Assistant in a variety of educational contexts and community care settings.

This course qualifies participants to work as SNAs in a creche, playgroup, primary and secondary school classrooms or special schools. Learners will attain the knowledge and skills necessary to support children in their learning environment. The course is suitable for both school leavers and mature students seeking a formal qualification.

This program offers a recognized academic qualification in Special Needs Awareness and Assisting, combining classroom theory with hands-on work experience. It prepares graduates for impactful roles in both public and private education settings, utilizing workshops and professional speakers to develop the practical skills needed to support and care for others effectively.

The Certificate in Speculative Design Futures is a new course suitable for designers and creatives practitioners from all disciplines interested in designing a positive future for all (people and planet).

The course will equip you with futures thinking literacy and the practical speculative design skills needed to engage critically with the uncertainty and complexity of wicked problems that exist in our world today.

This course provides the learners with the knowledge, skills and competence to pursue a career as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant.

There are also progression routes to degree programmes in Speech and Language Therapy are related degrees in universities and technological universities

This course is a specialized blended learning program designed to train Speech and Language Therapy Assistants (SLTAs). Combining online delivery with on-campus workshops, the curriculum provides the foundational skills needed to support people of all ages facing communication, voice, and swallowing difficulties. Students learn how to work alongside professional Speech and Language Therapists and families to implement care plans that improve a client’s quality of life and functional independence.

This one-year programme has been designed to provide learners with the understanding, knowledge, skills and competence to pursue a career as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant. These skills can be applied to a wide range of sectors catering for those who have difficulties with communication including eating and swallowing.

Speech and language therapists enable people with communication disorders and swallowing disorders to achieve their maximum potential. They are involved in assessing clients’ communication and swallowing difficulties, and developing treatment programmes to meet their specific needs. They work closely with other members of the team, such as nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, teachers, etc, and work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, primary care health centres and schools. 

This undergraduate degree is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become a competent, reflective, and evidence-based practitioner in the field of speech and language therapy.